The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-02-04
HONESTY IN POLITICS.

Mr.. EDITOR:-It is a traditional
sentiment of the American people that
he deserves well of his country who
carries into public life something of
private virtue and in office abides by
his own convictions of right and duty.
1t is true, however, that those who
have made the experiment have fire.
quently found it the way to political
ruin, and that ander the arts of pOlIti-
clans the people whom they have
served have at times been cajoled into
deriding their failures.
[ have been led into this line of
thought by reading the result of the
Nebraska Senatorial contest aud the
comments of the Kenosha TELEGRAPH
thereon. Senator Van Wyck, the de-
feated candidate, is one of the oldest
living Republicans. He was long be-
fore the late war an abolitionist of the
most radical type, and did right gallant
service i'll the state of New York in
helping to form the Republican party,
which was destined to give success to
his desires. While yet young man
he was elected by large majorities from
the Orange and Sullivan district of
that state to represent it in Congress
for several terms Immediately proceed
ing the war, and there he stoutly
championed Republican principles in
those ante-bellum days, when it cost
something to be Republican.
When the war came on he pro 7ed
his fidelity to his principles by going
promptly TO the field. So well was his
service approved by our Republican
leaders, that at the close of the war he
was placed for time in military COM
mand over ii part of South Carolina,
and has the exceptional record of hav-
ing Won the good opinion both of the
native whites and the colored people.
On his return to the state of New York
his services had secured him a high
position in the line of political prefer
ment, and his friends much regretted
his leave for the West.
His ability as lawyer and thorough
acquain ance with questions relating
to tile public lands commended him
quickly to the people of Nebraska, and
they sent him, when he had resided but
a few years in that state, to the United
STATES Senate. lie went there with a
purpose to help right, if he could, the
wrongs which the people of the new
states especially have suffered from the
great corporations and the land job
bers. On this question he has sought
the right, regar dless of consequences
On all others he has TRAINED In
strictest party lines. Naturally he has
incurred the animosity of the monopo-
lies, the land sharks, the politicians
and that portion of the press which
finds the service of mammon better
pay than that of the people. He has
been recently a candidate for re-elec
ton. The people would have returned
him by an overwhelming majority
could they have voted directly on the
question; but the monopolies, the land
jobbers, the politicians and certain
part of the press have been too muct
for him.
In his defeat the people have lost ont
of their ablest and truest champions
Their representatives have been de
ceived, and SD is the usually just edito
of the TELEGRAPH when he joins ii
the publications over the defeat of sucl
man. God save the country, ii re
tirement from public service is fittin!
reward for fidelity to its interests.
ONE OF THE PEOPLE.